By some amazing, miraculous twist of fate, I have Friday-Saturday off from work for March, April, AND May! This has done wonders for my event calendar, including allowing me to check another state off the list!
The day dawned cold and bright as I shook winter's dust from my gown and hood and prepared for the two-hour drive from my home in Concordia to the Novice Schola being held in the Barony of Bergental. I had prepared a small bundle of largesse for His Excellency Johannes filius Nicholai, which I packed carefully alongside a few personal provisions before setting out.
Along the way I stopped to pick up sweets to share with the event's other attendees as part of the day's pot-luck feast. That accomplished, I headed to the site without further delay.
The gate staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming when I arrived. I was checked in quickly, instructed where to leave the sweets, and given a schedule and map for the day's activities. While I was checking in, an unfamiliar lady approached me and excitedly asked to take a photo of all of my "dog's head couped argent" regalia (in other words, my use of Snoopy in my various heraldic displays). Of course, I delightedly obliged before heading off for my first class.
That class was Games, Games and More Games, taught by William the Alchemist. I learned to play a period version of Snakes and Ladders, and a card game that I was horrifically terrible at. After that, I ducked into the "What is Court?" class taught by Baron Ernst and Mistress Brid, followed by the EK Wiki class taught by Gonzalo de Corneille. Both of these were topics I'm already fairly well-versed in, but I wanted to see what questions newcomers may have--particularly about court.
The next class I attended was "The Hedeby Apron Dress: One Interpretation" taught by Baroness Nastassiia Ivanova Medvedeva. I walked into it knowing NOTHING about sewing garb, and found myself in a room with a dozen ladies who were all experienced seamstresses. Despite this knowledge gap, I had no trouble following what Tasha taught--it was all in plain English, and demonstrated as well as explained. I've had a bolt of red linen for a couple years now, given as a thank-you gift for running A&S at an event in Lochere--now, for the first time, I think I know what I'm going to do with it, AND I'm somewhat confident that I won't completely screw it up! In the future, I will look for an opportunity to also take Tasha's class on sewing sturdy seams.
I ended the day with the Discussion in the Round, where a lot of people who have been in the SCA longer than I've been alive talked about how they first found the Society and what kept them coming back for more. It made me a little nostalgic for my own early days, back in Western Seas. The Society has changed a lot in the 15 years that I have been a member...and I have changed a lot, too.
I had to hit the road to come home before court, because my current work schedule necessitates waking at 2:30AM (ugh!), but I had a delightful and informative time at my first Massachusetts event and I look forward to visiting Bergental again in the future!
Showing posts with label New State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New State. Show all posts
Monday, March 18, 2019
Monday, October 3, 2016
*South Dakota* Northshield Coronation, September 10, 2016
I have been a staunch supporter of the Inspirational Equality movement in the SCA almost from its inception. I was overjoyed when Giles and Giuseppe were invested as Barons of Gyldenholdt four years ago. I watched proudly as same-gendered pairs fought for each other in Crown lists for the first time. I smiled as more and more same-gendered pairs ascended the thrones of their local Baronies, here in the US and across the sea in Lochac. I saw how the cry of the populace changed the minds of the King and Queen of Drachenwald.
Then, in May, a same-gendered pair won Northshield's Crown Tournament. I wish I could have been there to see it--it was a moment that changed the course of the SCA forevermore. I immediately began planning to attend their coronation--a chance to see SCA history in the making AND check off a new state for my quest?! Yes, please!
The closest Southwest station to the event site in Yankton, South Dakota, was Omaha, Nebraska. I decided to stay in a hotel near the airport instead of near the site, since my flight home Sunday morning was before 7AM. Turns out, the closest hotels were pretty much all in Council Bluffs, IA, so I booked myself at a Day's Inn there.
That ... was a mistake.
The area had my hackles up a little as I pulled into the lot, I'm not gonna lie. I know I'm overly sensitive about these things, and I tried to calm myself. But the fact that I had to drive through the parking lot of an abandoned building to reach the hotel, combined with the fact that the other cars in the parking lot were all sketchy and missing their hubcaps, made it hard to get comfortable. The desk clerk also told me it was 3:30pm when I checked in. I'm pretty sure it was 1:45pm. So that didn't do a lot for my confidence. I triple-locked myself in my room--which was perfectly clean, everything worked, no holes in the walls, no blood stains or anything...--watched TV and contemplated a hot shower.
But I continued to experience anxiety, until my childhood friend Kerry came to my rescue and invited me to stay with her in Lincoln, NE, a scant two-hour drive away. The relief from the stress was so great that I burst into tears when I hit the highway, and sobbed for a good fifteen minutes. I drove through torrential downpours for most of the drive, and decided that I love Nebraska.
Reconnecting with Kerry after sixteen years was awesome. I got to meet her husband and children, and in the evening some of their friends joined us for a zombie game. Then I snuggled myself, safe and content, into bed.
The next morning dawned crisp and sunny. I hit the road early, because it was a two and a half hour drive from Kerry's house to the event. I had expected the trip to be all interstate, but it turned out to be almost entirely two-lane, farm country roads. I reaffirmed my love of Nebraska about fifty times--the rolling farmland was beautiful! But then, about an hour into the drive, I developed HORRENDOUS cramps. I was hunched over the steering wheel, whimpering in pain as I drove. And of course I was in the middle of NOWHERE--no place to stop for aspirin, no place with a bathroom ... nothing. I drove in agony for forty five minutes before I finally came to a McDonald's where I could use the restroom. That didn't alleviate the cramps at all, though.
I ticked away the miles, increasingly miserable, until at last I pulled onto the event site just as court was getting underway. I stood in a doorway, determined to at least witness the historic moment I had come all this way to see. Even in my misery I was moved by that moment. Our Society has changed--for the better, I whole-heartedly believe--and I was so proud to be standing there as it happened.
And there wasn't a dry eye in the place when Hrodir Bek introduced two ladies in mundane clothes to the populace.
They were his two mothers.
And then to end court, there was a speech:
As soon as court ended, I retreated to my car. I curled up in the back seat, and promptly fell asleep for almost two hours. When I woke, my cramps had at last subsided and I decided to see what was happening.
My first order of business was to Troll in. For once in my life, I had actually pre-registered for this event, so the process went pretty quickly. I was pleased that there was a site token--I plan to start a memento box for this Quest. This site token was HEFTY!
I wandered past the A&S displays, and then out to the fighting. As I wandered, I passed a person shrouded in white, with a sign hung about the neck which proclaimed them to be a mute leaper. I wish I had thought to take a photo ... or any photos at all, for that matter!
I made my way over to the archery range, where an open shoot was taking place. I didn't have any of my equipment with me, of course, so I settled onto some bleachers to watch the shooting. There I stayed until the open range closed and a tournament began. Then, I wandered back inside the hall, looking for either of only two familiar faces at the whole event--Mistress Eithni, who I met at Pennsic, or Mistress Elashava, who I know through a mutual acquaintance on Facebook. By that time, though, my anxiety was in overdrive--the whole adventure had proven just too much for my coping skills. So after one last pass through the crowd, I went back to my car and left.
I checked into a hotel about twenty minutes up the road--a bright, well-maintained hotel across the street from a college (where a massive tailgate party was underway for the football game that night) with two friendly receptionists who let me check in early, asked about my garb, and reassured me that the tailgaters wouldn't be overrunning the hotel later.
I took a long, hot shower and then flopped into bed. With reruns of Law and Order: SVU on the TV, I called Luke and then went to sleep. I had to get up at 2AM to drive back to Omaha, but feeling safe and secure in my hotel was TOTALLY worth the extra-early wake up call.
The stars were SO bright as I set out--it was amazingly beautiful. South Dakota is FLAT. Also, the speed limit was 80 mph, which was awesome. Country music on the radio and the road to myself, I began my journey home from this great adventure.
I learned a lot from this stop on my Quest:
-I need to research the area before booking any hotels in the future;
-I need to be better prepared for medical incidents when I'm in unfamiliar territory;
-I should make a heraldic dress with the badge for my quest, so that I'm readily identifiable to that sea of strangers;
-To keep my anxiety down, I should try to choose events where I can *participate* instead of just spectate
This is my last new state for 2016--I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store! I have a standing invitation to visit a friend in Washington, and another friend in Oregon ... so maybe 2017 will be my west-coast year!
Then, in May, a same-gendered pair won Northshield's Crown Tournament. I wish I could have been there to see it--it was a moment that changed the course of the SCA forevermore. I immediately began planning to attend their coronation--a chance to see SCA history in the making AND check off a new state for my quest?! Yes, please!
The closest Southwest station to the event site in Yankton, South Dakota, was Omaha, Nebraska. I decided to stay in a hotel near the airport instead of near the site, since my flight home Sunday morning was before 7AM. Turns out, the closest hotels were pretty much all in Council Bluffs, IA, so I booked myself at a Day's Inn there.
That ... was a mistake.
The area had my hackles up a little as I pulled into the lot, I'm not gonna lie. I know I'm overly sensitive about these things, and I tried to calm myself. But the fact that I had to drive through the parking lot of an abandoned building to reach the hotel, combined with the fact that the other cars in the parking lot were all sketchy and missing their hubcaps, made it hard to get comfortable. The desk clerk also told me it was 3:30pm when I checked in. I'm pretty sure it was 1:45pm. So that didn't do a lot for my confidence. I triple-locked myself in my room--which was perfectly clean, everything worked, no holes in the walls, no blood stains or anything...--watched TV and contemplated a hot shower.
 |
| My rental car outside my hotel window. |
But I continued to experience anxiety, until my childhood friend Kerry came to my rescue and invited me to stay with her in Lincoln, NE, a scant two-hour drive away. The relief from the stress was so great that I burst into tears when I hit the highway, and sobbed for a good fifteen minutes. I drove through torrential downpours for most of the drive, and decided that I love Nebraska.
Reconnecting with Kerry after sixteen years was awesome. I got to meet her husband and children, and in the evening some of their friends joined us for a zombie game. Then I snuggled myself, safe and content, into bed.
The next morning dawned crisp and sunny. I hit the road early, because it was a two and a half hour drive from Kerry's house to the event. I had expected the trip to be all interstate, but it turned out to be almost entirely two-lane, farm country roads. I reaffirmed my love of Nebraska about fifty times--the rolling farmland was beautiful! But then, about an hour into the drive, I developed HORRENDOUS cramps. I was hunched over the steering wheel, whimpering in pain as I drove. And of course I was in the middle of NOWHERE--no place to stop for aspirin, no place with a bathroom ... nothing. I drove in agony for forty five minutes before I finally came to a McDonald's where I could use the restroom. That didn't alleviate the cramps at all, though.
I ticked away the miles, increasingly miserable, until at last I pulled onto the event site just as court was getting underway. I stood in a doorway, determined to at least witness the historic moment I had come all this way to see. Even in my misery I was moved by that moment. Our Society has changed--for the better, I whole-heartedly believe--and I was so proud to be standing there as it happened.
And there wasn't a dry eye in the place when Hrodir Bek introduced two ladies in mundane clothes to the populace.
They were his two mothers.
And then to end court, there was a speech:
As soon as court ended, I retreated to my car. I curled up in the back seat, and promptly fell asleep for almost two hours. When I woke, my cramps had at last subsided and I decided to see what was happening.
My first order of business was to Troll in. For once in my life, I had actually pre-registered for this event, so the process went pretty quickly. I was pleased that there was a site token--I plan to start a memento box for this Quest. This site token was HEFTY!
I wandered past the A&S displays, and then out to the fighting. As I wandered, I passed a person shrouded in white, with a sign hung about the neck which proclaimed them to be a mute leaper. I wish I had thought to take a photo ... or any photos at all, for that matter!
I made my way over to the archery range, where an open shoot was taking place. I didn't have any of my equipment with me, of course, so I settled onto some bleachers to watch the shooting. There I stayed until the open range closed and a tournament began. Then, I wandered back inside the hall, looking for either of only two familiar faces at the whole event--Mistress Eithni, who I met at Pennsic, or Mistress Elashava, who I know through a mutual acquaintance on Facebook. By that time, though, my anxiety was in overdrive--the whole adventure had proven just too much for my coping skills. So after one last pass through the crowd, I went back to my car and left.
I checked into a hotel about twenty minutes up the road--a bright, well-maintained hotel across the street from a college (where a massive tailgate party was underway for the football game that night) with two friendly receptionists who let me check in early, asked about my garb, and reassured me that the tailgaters wouldn't be overrunning the hotel later.
I took a long, hot shower and then flopped into bed. With reruns of Law and Order: SVU on the TV, I called Luke and then went to sleep. I had to get up at 2AM to drive back to Omaha, but feeling safe and secure in my hotel was TOTALLY worth the extra-early wake up call.
The stars were SO bright as I set out--it was amazingly beautiful. South Dakota is FLAT. Also, the speed limit was 80 mph, which was awesome. Country music on the radio and the road to myself, I began my journey home from this great adventure.
I learned a lot from this stop on my Quest:
-I need to research the area before booking any hotels in the future;
-I need to be better prepared for medical incidents when I'm in unfamiliar territory;
-I should make a heraldic dress with the badge for my quest, so that I'm readily identifiable to that sea of strangers;
-To keep my anxiety down, I should try to choose events where I can *participate* instead of just spectate
This is my last new state for 2016--I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store! I have a standing invitation to visit a friend in Washington, and another friend in Oregon ... so maybe 2017 will be my west-coast year!
Sunday, August 30, 2015
*Vermont* Lost Tip, August 29, 2015
An archery event in a new state for my challenge?! Yes, please! Wearing my spiffy new hood--a gift from Anna Leigh, recent Queen of Aethelmearc!--I packed up my bow and quiver and drove for three and a half hours into the heart of the Vermont mountains. The weather was in the sixties and the sun was shining brightly as I traveled--it promised to be a beautiful day!
I arrived on-site just after noon and immediately met Alex, who was working Troll. He was very friendly, and upon learning that I am a recent transplant to the East and know no one, he took it upon himself to begin introducing me to people. I met Siobhan, recently raised to the Order of the Laurel and working in the kitchen. I met several others whose name escape me, who graciously allowed me to sit with them for lunch.
After eating, I retrieved my gear from my truck and headed over to the Royal Round range, where I met Estefania (mka Shannon! We became "Shannon Squared" for the rest of the day) and Corwin. I shot a 41 RR (hooray! my official average will go up!) and we took a couple of turns at the Advancing Warrior. I scored 11 points on her. Then she fell from her harness--whoops! So we turned her into a clout shoot. Kill 'em dead, then kill 'em some more!
From there we went to the Roving Range, which turned out to be a series of eight clout shoots. It was different from any shoot I've done so far, and it was immensely fun! I scored 18 out of a possible 40 points. I was pretty proud of that!
It was on this Roving Range that I also witnessed a fine act of chivalry, which bears retelling here. The rules of the range were such that each archer was allowed three arrows per target ... but if you lost one, you could not replenish it and were thusly disadvantaged for the rest of the course. A member of our group lost all three of her arrows by the halfway point and would have had to sit out the rest of the course, but then Corwin, who still had all three of his own arrows, offered to her two of his so that she might continue shooting. He did so freely, despite the disadvantage to his own score *and* the potential loss of his expensive, new ammunition. His actions touched me, and I wanted to be sure to record them.
By the time we finished the Roving Range, it was pretty late in the day and we were all tired, so we didn't do the woods walk-through.
The event was hosted by the Shire of Panther Vale, which meant there was no Baron and Baroness and no court. I therefore didn't bring any largesse--I didn't know who I would even present it to.
There was an awards ceremony at the end of the day, though, and I was surprised to learn that I came in second for RR scores, second in the Roving Range, and tied for third for overall highest score (despite having no score at all for the woods walk-through)! I received a lovely pewter arrow head token as a prize. Now I know what a gift of largesse could be used for!
The people of Panther Vale were very friendly, and the event had a relaxed, homey feel. I am very glad I made the trip--I hope to see them all again soon!
I arrived on-site just after noon and immediately met Alex, who was working Troll. He was very friendly, and upon learning that I am a recent transplant to the East and know no one, he took it upon himself to begin introducing me to people. I met Siobhan, recently raised to the Order of the Laurel and working in the kitchen. I met several others whose name escape me, who graciously allowed me to sit with them for lunch.
After eating, I retrieved my gear from my truck and headed over to the Royal Round range, where I met Estefania (mka Shannon! We became "Shannon Squared" for the rest of the day) and Corwin. I shot a 41 RR (hooray! my official average will go up!) and we took a couple of turns at the Advancing Warrior. I scored 11 points on her. Then she fell from her harness--whoops! So we turned her into a clout shoot. Kill 'em dead, then kill 'em some more!
From there we went to the Roving Range, which turned out to be a series of eight clout shoots. It was different from any shoot I've done so far, and it was immensely fun! I scored 18 out of a possible 40 points. I was pretty proud of that!
It was on this Roving Range that I also witnessed a fine act of chivalry, which bears retelling here. The rules of the range were such that each archer was allowed three arrows per target ... but if you lost one, you could not replenish it and were thusly disadvantaged for the rest of the course. A member of our group lost all three of her arrows by the halfway point and would have had to sit out the rest of the course, but then Corwin, who still had all three of his own arrows, offered to her two of his so that she might continue shooting. He did so freely, despite the disadvantage to his own score *and* the potential loss of his expensive, new ammunition. His actions touched me, and I wanted to be sure to record them.
By the time we finished the Roving Range, it was pretty late in the day and we were all tired, so we didn't do the woods walk-through.
The event was hosted by the Shire of Panther Vale, which meant there was no Baron and Baroness and no court. I therefore didn't bring any largesse--I didn't know who I would even present it to.
There was an awards ceremony at the end of the day, though, and I was surprised to learn that I came in second for RR scores, second in the Roving Range, and tied for third for overall highest score (despite having no score at all for the woods walk-through)! I received a lovely pewter arrow head token as a prize. Now I know what a gift of largesse could be used for!
The people of Panther Vale were very friendly, and the event had a relaxed, homey feel. I am very glad I made the trip--I hope to see them all again soon!
*South Carolina* Collelgium, July 18, 2015
On July 17, I boarded a plane here in Albany. After changing planes in Baltimore, I flew to Charleston, South Carolina. From there, I picked up my rental car and drove two hours west to Columbia to attend Collegium in the Barony of Nottinghill Coill.
Saturday dawned warm and muggy. My hotel suffered a water main break during the night, and so being deprived of breakfast, I ventured out--fully dressed for the event--to engage in one of my favorite passtimes: "Freaking the Mundanes." I located a nearby Denny's and went inside for breakfast.
The mundanes were anything but freaked. Some told me how much the loved my dress. Some told me how much they love the renaissance festival. One and all, they were friendly and polite. I was struck by the difference between these people and those I usually encounter in the north. Southern hospitality and charm, indeed!
After breakfast I headed to the site. It was still very early, and only a few members of the local barony were there setting up. The first person I encountered was Dame Morwenna Trevethan, who I only recognized after catching a glimpse of her personalized license plate (I've never before seen her out of garb!). It was great to finally meet her. I've known *of* her for years (because really, who in Altantia doesn't know our Patron Saint of Hydration?) and I was even at the court where she was raised to the Order of the Pelican, but we had never been introduced.
After checking in at Troll, I went to the classroom for my first class of the day: Heraldic Display - Beyond Shields and Banners. I learned a lot about the shapes and sizes of standards, and the class fulfilled my "continuing education" requirement for my Herald warrant. Hooray!
My second class of the day was Court Heraldry 101: How to be a Court Herald. A lot of this class was review for me, but it has been a *long* time since I've heralded a court, so it was an excellent refresher. In the following class--Guess Who's Coming to Court? SCA Court Protocol and Precedence--I also learned a lot about actually setting up a court--who sits where, who has precedence over who--and yow! Figuring it out can be a headache! I have since also found this article, which will be an excellent resource to refer to if I ever have to set up something!
Court was held during lunch. I didn't know any of the individuals called, of course, but it was still nice to watch as people were recognized for their talents and efforts. I tried to pay attention to the award names and what they were for, so that in the future if I encounter someone wearing one I will know what it represents! A lot of Nottinghill Coill's awards are some type of knot or cord, which I found very clever.
After court, I approached the Baroness. I introduced myself and explained my quest, and made her a promise of future largesse (since I had set the quest for myself only days before and had not had the chance to make anything before I traveled). I hadn't expected to be so nervous talking to her! My hands were shaking and my heart was pounding. Hopefully, that will ease as I make more of these pilgrimages!
After lunch, my class focus switched from Heraldry to A&S, and it was in these classes that I really made some connections with my fellow Atlantians. The first class was Documentation and Presentation of A&S Projects, and was taught by a lord I recognized as one of the award recipients from court, who does All Things Roman. I had never really thought about the presentation of my A&S entries before--I always made sure to have neat, bound documentation, but I'd just lay the items on the table. The class definitely gave me some things to think about!
Following that was Judging Arts and Sciences--a class I badly needed to take, since I've been called upon to judge a couple competitions now. We went over the new judging forms and discussed ways to give effective feedback without demoralizing our artisans. I feel more confident now that when I am next asked to judge, I will be prepared to do so.
The last two classes of the day were Leather Working 101 and 201, which is where I met the instructor, Ian. I enjoyed using some of the tools in his arsenal--tools that I don't have, but will certainly acquire! That swivel knife is a *godsend*--I can't believe I've resisted it for so long! Lord All Things Roman was in these classes, too, so I got to talk to him a bit more as well.
And it turned out he parked beside me, so we chatted in the parking lot for a while before leaving, too! I also exchanged contact info with Ian, so we could correspond and geek out over leather together.
As my first official stop since setting this challenge for myself, I'd say that Collegium was a rousing success all around! And I am pleased to report that I have completed the promised largesse for Her Excellency, and it will be on its way to South Carolina as soon as I have an address to send it!
Saturday dawned warm and muggy. My hotel suffered a water main break during the night, and so being deprived of breakfast, I ventured out--fully dressed for the event--to engage in one of my favorite passtimes: "Freaking the Mundanes." I located a nearby Denny's and went inside for breakfast.
The mundanes were anything but freaked. Some told me how much the loved my dress. Some told me how much they love the renaissance festival. One and all, they were friendly and polite. I was struck by the difference between these people and those I usually encounter in the north. Southern hospitality and charm, indeed!
After breakfast I headed to the site. It was still very early, and only a few members of the local barony were there setting up. The first person I encountered was Dame Morwenna Trevethan, who I only recognized after catching a glimpse of her personalized license plate (I've never before seen her out of garb!). It was great to finally meet her. I've known *of* her for years (because really, who in Altantia doesn't know our Patron Saint of Hydration?) and I was even at the court where she was raised to the Order of the Pelican, but we had never been introduced.
After checking in at Troll, I went to the classroom for my first class of the day: Heraldic Display - Beyond Shields and Banners. I learned a lot about the shapes and sizes of standards, and the class fulfilled my "continuing education" requirement for my Herald warrant. Hooray!
My second class of the day was Court Heraldry 101: How to be a Court Herald. A lot of this class was review for me, but it has been a *long* time since I've heralded a court, so it was an excellent refresher. In the following class--Guess Who's Coming to Court? SCA Court Protocol and Precedence--I also learned a lot about actually setting up a court--who sits where, who has precedence over who--and yow! Figuring it out can be a headache! I have since also found this article, which will be an excellent resource to refer to if I ever have to set up something!
Court was held during lunch. I didn't know any of the individuals called, of course, but it was still nice to watch as people were recognized for their talents and efforts. I tried to pay attention to the award names and what they were for, so that in the future if I encounter someone wearing one I will know what it represents! A lot of Nottinghill Coill's awards are some type of knot or cord, which I found very clever.
After court, I approached the Baroness. I introduced myself and explained my quest, and made her a promise of future largesse (since I had set the quest for myself only days before and had not had the chance to make anything before I traveled). I hadn't expected to be so nervous talking to her! My hands were shaking and my heart was pounding. Hopefully, that will ease as I make more of these pilgrimages!
After lunch, my class focus switched from Heraldry to A&S, and it was in these classes that I really made some connections with my fellow Atlantians. The first class was Documentation and Presentation of A&S Projects, and was taught by a lord I recognized as one of the award recipients from court, who does All Things Roman. I had never really thought about the presentation of my A&S entries before--I always made sure to have neat, bound documentation, but I'd just lay the items on the table. The class definitely gave me some things to think about!
Following that was Judging Arts and Sciences--a class I badly needed to take, since I've been called upon to judge a couple competitions now. We went over the new judging forms and discussed ways to give effective feedback without demoralizing our artisans. I feel more confident now that when I am next asked to judge, I will be prepared to do so.
The last two classes of the day were Leather Working 101 and 201, which is where I met the instructor, Ian. I enjoyed using some of the tools in his arsenal--tools that I don't have, but will certainly acquire! That swivel knife is a *godsend*--I can't believe I've resisted it for so long! Lord All Things Roman was in these classes, too, so I got to talk to him a bit more as well.
And it turned out he parked beside me, so we chatted in the parking lot for a while before leaving, too! I also exchanged contact info with Ian, so we could correspond and geek out over leather together.
As my first official stop since setting this challenge for myself, I'd say that Collegium was a rousing success all around! And I am pleased to report that I have completed the promised largesse for Her Excellency, and it will be on its way to South Carolina as soon as I have an address to send it!
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